2015 Holiday Party
Our annual Holiday event was held on Sunday, December 13 at the beautiful Venetian Golf and River Club in Nokomis, FL. Many thanks to all that worked hard to arrange and conduct such a nice evening!
Lunch at the Don CeSar
On Sunday, Nov. 15, Debbie Wilson organized a Club outing for lunch at the legendary Don CeSar Hotel in St. Petersburg, FL. Under breezy but pleasant weather conditions, the group of club members motored the approx. 40 miles from our usual gathering spot at the Fruitville Texaco station to the hotel and its Sea Porch Cafe. As you drive over the Sunshine Skyway to St. Pete, the large pink palace off to your left is the Don CeSar. We were led part of the way by Jim Wilson until he lost us at the toll plaza.
“The Don” was built in 1928 during the Florida land boom. Its pink color and design are patterned after the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach. Although under financial strain during the Depression, the hotel remained viable and was a favorite resort of high society – hosting the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Clarence Darrow, Lou Gehrig and even gangster Al Capone. It was revered internationally and catered to privileged guests from around the world. At the outbreak of WW II, The Don was appropriated by the government and served many functions: an Army hospital, an Air Force convalescent center, and a VA office. By 1969, the government completely abandoned the building and it faced demolition. But a local preservation group spearheaded its salvation and after a multi-million dollar restoration, the facility was revived and and opened again as a luxury resort in 1973. The sugar-sand beach, fine dining and well-appointed accommodations continue to draw an upscale clientele. But our car club was welcomed nevertheless.
The brunch menu offered a lot of options. Everyone enjoyed their meal and, more importantly, the socializing. And it was great to visit a piece of Florida history.
Enjoy our photos from the event!
Visit to Tsikuris Classics
Tucked away on a tree-lined street in Kathleen, Florida is Tsikuris Classics. This father & son restoration and repair shop has been in business for nearly 35 years serving the British Classic Car market. Specializing in Jags and Healeys, a typical complete restoration may take 12 to 14 months. Below, SBCC members enjoy a tour of the Tsikuris facility. Thanks to Ron Musselman for arranging this informative event. And special thanks to Paul Tsikuris for having the club in and showing his restoration facility and projects!
SBCC at Cars & Coffee
The return of the Cars and Coffee in Sarasota was formerly held at Suncoast Motorsports on South 41 in Sarasota, It is still sponsored by them but is now being held at Sarasota County Tech Institute, Beneva and Proctor Roads from 8 to 10 am. every second Saturday of the month.
Hootenanny at Old Miakka School House
Members of the SBCC attended the Fall Hootenanny & Benefit for the Old Miakka Schoolhouse. The Miakka School House is a historic school in Miakka, Florida. On July 3, 1986, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Thanks to Steve and Linda Hall for sponsoring and making arrangements for the club to display its cars at the event.
